Sierra Leone aims to overcome Mpox virus




A research paper titled "Application of Artificial Intelligence Techniques for Monkeypox" reports that numerous AI models have been created for the precise diagnosis of Monkeypox.


Mpox is a viral infection marked by symptoms such as headaches, chills, and fever. Skin lumps and rashes appear, resembling those seen in smallpox, measles, and chickenpox.

The paper examined recent studies utilizing AI in mpox research, concentrating on diagnostic testing, epidemiological modeling of mpox transmission, drug and vaccine development, and media risk management.

The authors conclude that this thorough review will serve as a helpful resource for researchers and data scientists working to develop strategies to combat the mpox virus and its spread.

In May 2022, global health authorities announced that mpox had spread to multiple countries, posing a risk of becoming a global epidemic.


Currently, no specific medication targets the mpox virus; instead, treatments designed for adult smallpox, including antivirals and vaccines, are employed to manage severe mpox infections.

Since Sierra Leone, a coastal West African country with about 7 million people, started providing regular updates on mpox earlier this year, there have been 5,106 confirmed cases and 49 deaths reported.


Patients describe flu-like symptoms such as fever and chills, along with a rash that can take weeks to clear. 

Health experts recommended vaccination for those at higher risk of contracting mpox. 

Across the country, which spans about 27,000 square miles, with over 4,940 recoveries nationwide, this high recovery rate reflects the effectiveness of healthcare responses. The case distribution is as follows:

  • Bo (105 cases)
  • Bonthe (44)
  • Bombali (312)
  • Falaba (24)
  • Kailahun (16)
  • Kambia (55)
  • Karene (26)
  • Kono (116)
  • Kenema (134)
  • Koinadugu (96)
  • Moyamba (26)
  • Port Loko (204)
  • Pujehun (14)
  • Tonkolili (75)
Western Rural reported 1,022 confirmed cases, and Western Urban recorded a high of 2,837, which includes the capital, Freetown, a densely populated city extending into nearby suburbs.

The number of confirmed cases underscores a serious health crisis similar to other viral outbreaks in the region.


Examining the geographic spread of confirmed cases reveals which areas are most affected. For example, Western Urban (2,837 cases) and Port Loko (204 cases) are urban centers with dense populations that may facilitate faster virus transmission. Conversely, rural districts like Falaba (24 cases) and Pujehun (14 cases) report much fewer cases, suggesting differences in healthcare access, public awareness, and social distancing practices across regions.

The gender breakdown, with 2,442 females and 2,664 males affected, prompts consideration of social and environmental factors influencing transmission.

Understanding these demographic variations could improve targeted health education and outreach.

Sierra Leone’s health ministry has said that the coming weeks will be crucial in efforts to control mpox as the country works to defeat the virus.


The health ministry’s announcement serves as a call for coordinated action. This period will likely determine the success of ongoing public health measures and vaccination campaigns.

Combining geographic, demographic, and temporal information will be essential in developing an effective strategy to manage the mpox outbreak and strengthen resilience against future infectious diseases.

More articles on Mpox in Sierra Leone

MPox strains Sierra Leone's fragile health system

MPox in Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone accounts for half of Africa's monkeypox cases





Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Hawa Hunt in custody after she was arrested live on air in Freetown, Sierra Leone

Image
In 2023, Hawa Hunt, a popular musician and social commentator, made a striking statement on camera about Maada Bio, Sierra Leone's controversial president.  In the nearly five-minute video , which went viral on social media, Hawa Hunt spoke in Krio, and we've translated key excerpts of her comments into English:  "The man has big guts! He stood up a week ago when Zainab Sherriff accused him of being a killer. They took her away and locked her up. He’s not my president. I’ve told you that Sierra Leone doesn’t have a president. For the past five years, Sierra Leone hasn’t had a president. I see a small child in a bug's skirt jumping around." In retaliation, Maada Bio ordered Hawa Hunt's arrest while she was participating as a contestant in a reality television show, which was broadcast live . This act drew swift condemnation from many. Human rights lawyer Ady Macauley stated, "Arresting someone on live television is a new low, but it's not surprising. ...
Read more

28 Years Since the Death of Salami Coker

In words that echoed around the world, a commission of inquiry in Sierra Leone held the National Provisional Ruling Council (NPRC) responsible for extrajudicial killings in1992. The junta's attempt to justify these executions retrospectively by decree, on the basis that the 26 people were alleged coup plotters, was an unlawful abuse of executive power, the commission said. In particular, the Commission found that the deputy chairman of the NPRC, Solomon A.J. Musa, was personally responsible for acts of torture on detainees. They called the executions a flagrant violation of international standards.   Among those executed on December 29, 1992, were: Lt. Col James Yaya Kanu, former commanding officer of the 4th Battalion James Bambay Kamara, former Inspector General of Police Corporal Mohammed Mansaray, alias Candapa of the 1st Battalion Warrant Officer Class 1 Kargbo, alias Fernando of the 1st Battalion headquarters Lieutenant colonel (Rtd.) Kahota M.S. Dumbuya, Army Head...
Read more

Ebola: The More We Learn, the More We Realize How Much We Don't Know

Image
Alex Bonapha, chairman, Kailahun District Council O bservers say the controversy erupting in Kailahun over the case of a dead baby might just open up critical questions on the Ebola epidemic in West Africa. "While the child appears to be at the center of this controversy, the real question being raised here is the mode of transmission: Is this virus transmitted or transfused?" asks Chernor Bah, chairman of the African Socialist Movement of Sierra Leone. Bah thinks “we need to listen to Mr. Bonapha's concerns.” A lex Bonapha is chairman of Kailahun District Council. In a tersely worded statement sent out Saturday, Bonapha said: "We are strongly contesting the validity of the one case today in Kailahun.  A young child of 9 months, fell ill and was hospitalised at the Nixon Memorial Hospital in Segbwema. They requested blood transfusion and a donor offered his blood. Eventually the child died and a swab was collected to verify the cause of death. It is this...
Read more